Flying soon - do I need a bag for my stroller? (plus other advice)

Ok, so the big trip is coming up. I just got a new (used) Combi stroller. I plan on checking it at the gate. Do I need a travel bag for it? It's another $20 which I don't want to spend, but I don't want my stroller to get hurt or totally disgusting either.

Also, if anyone has any other advice, etc for the trip...14 mo in my lap the whole time, night flight, have some medication from the pediatrician to help her sleep.


Getting nervous! Thanks for the help

I don't think you'll need a bag as I've seen strollers just folded up brought on to many a flight.

There is a thread about 'taking the big trip' or something like that you may want to check out that includes lots of tips and experiences of taking little ones on transatlantic flights.

Found it!

Flying transatlantic with a toddler (Was The Big Trip ...)

You might find this interesting as well:
Flying with a stroller/pram

When we flew from the UK to Cali we took our giant Graco stroller, I found it did get a bit dirty while being checked at the gate ( it was completely soaked at one point when we made a stop in Amsterdam- lucky we stole a plane blanket to throw over it so we could still use it while it dried out) However- I don't think I'd purchase a bag for it, A: you do get to pre board if you have a child, but by the time you get the kid out of the stroller, flatten it, get it in the bag and then board... you'll have people breathing down you neck to get on the plane. B: Same goes getting off the plane...

It's just my opinion, but after a few trans Atlantic flights under my belt- the easier you make it for yourself, the better.  A bag for your stroller would just be one more thing for you to think about. However- if it's a big deal that your stroller gets a bit dirty, then it might be a hassle your willing to deal with. Either way, I hope your trip is nice and smooth! 

I have been flying for a few years with my kids and I just check the stroller at the gate, no bag, no nothing. I flew with a Bigaboo Frog and a Maclaren Umbrella stroller and nothing bad has ever happened...I would just check it and if it gets damaged, you can make a claim with them.

We used a bag for ours in Dec 2009 but frankly don't think I'd bother when we fly next Easter. 

Our little guy will be almost 6 months when we fly Virgin from Heathrow to Boston at the end of the month.  We are debating whether to bring our stroller (bugaboo bee, so mid-size) or get a cheapo umbrella stroller.  I do worry about damange, not so much from a compensation perspective, but I don't want to be out a stroller in the short term if it does get damaged.  Hmmm...

We flew with a cheap lightweight ladybird umbrella (Gatwick to Tampa with BA) when Jean was 19 months and had no problems.  Bought it for that reason at a NCT Nearly New Sale because our normal stroller (Loola Up) was a beast. Kept it after for keeping in car boot then used it when I was pregnant and having trouble pushing Jean (I was 7 mos along when she hit the weight max for it).

You can find sales near to you at:
http://www.nct.org.uk/branches/events/nearly-new-sales
Not every sale will have pushchairs though, Coventry's next one will not.

Re: other advice.  On the night flight we tried as best as we could to do Jean's normal bedtime routine before boarding - washed face brushed teeth pj's on and story.

Thanks for the links to the other threads and the tidbits of advice. I especially will try to remember to bring her toothbrush for the good night ritual!

I guess I am just super nervous. I just checked on the flight and it is pretty much all booked. I am worried about upsetting the other passengers, especially the one sitting next to us (we have an aisle seat in the back, but two strangers are next to me). I could give a fig for my own comfort but I hate to be a bother.

Furthermore I feel like a jerk for not getting her her own seat, but I honestly could not afford it at the time, and it's too late now. 14 mo is pretty old to be on a lap (esp as she is a very active child), so my hope is that the medicine will work and she will be asleep for a long bout. I hope!!!

I realize it is only 10 hours of my life but it is making me dread the whole move when I should be excited I just really hate invading other peoples' space and annoying them. I guess I probably shouldn't have had a child then

Honestly, spend the money on her seat when you really need to, for now, she will be fine on your lap! As for the other people, don't worry about it...honestly, they will either have had their own kids or have been kids once before. and like you said, its only 10 hours out of your life, it will go by quickly and people will be forgiving and helpful. I promise!!! Don't worry too much about it! I am always glad when a woman sits down nex tto me so I don't feel so self conscious about breastfeeding my toddler!

I can't remember which airlines, but over the years I have had them offer me a free heavy plastic bag that they will put it in.  You may want to ask when you check in as they were always offered at the ticket counter. 

Also, I have flown umpteen times with strollers, car seats, etc and other than a little dirt around the edges everything has always come through just fine.